We are currently recruiting PhD students whose dissertation proposal relates directly or closely with aspects of Culturally Widespread Gestures in Cross-Linguistic Comparison. The application deadline is December 1st 2025 for the next round of PhD intake (enrolment September 2026). Informal enquiries are welcome to sharriso@cityu.edu.hk. 

Successful applicants would be joining the Department of English within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at City University of Hong Kong for a postgraduate research degree in English Studies.

Requirements for applications can be found on the university website under Postgraduate Admissions. Funding mechanisms also include the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.

Please consider whether or not you would meet the following criteria set by the Department of English in line with the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences:

• an average mark of 85/100 or CGPA = 3.5; from high-ranking universities (BA or MA), such as Top 51-100 worldwide, Double First Class (A Category);

• same score requirement for a Bachelor's Degree from a university of Top 50 worldwide, C9 League, or UCAS;

• the minimum requirement for English language proficiency is IELTS = 7.5 with no module below 7 or TOEFL 109.

• Evidence of publications and/or plans for publications upon joining the program.

More information about the Department of English research degree programme that you would be joining here. 

Research Environment.

New Frontiers in Professional Communication Lab.

Current Department of English PhD Students.

CityU research cluster on Brain, Behavior and Society (CUBBS).

Informal enquiries are welcome to sharriso@cityu.edu.hk.